Specific Or Diverse Material Patents (Class 175/374)
  • Publication number: 20140124270
    Abstract: A cutting tool cutting tool may include a tool body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, a plurality of rotatable cutting elements having a first chamfer mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades, and a plurality of non-rotatable cutting elements having a second, distinct chamfer mounted on at least one the plurality of blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Michael G. Azar, Yuri Burhan, Youhe Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140110180
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cutting tools incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to a polycrystalline diamond body joined to a substrate by a fastening member to form a cutting element. The polycrystalline diamond body may be binderless polycrystalline diamond, non-metal catalyst polycrystalline diamond, leached polycrystalline diamond, carbonate polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride. The polycrystalline diamond body includes an aperture and a fastening member extending through the aperture and metallurgically bonded to the substrate by a HPHT process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: FENG YU
  • Patent number: 8662207
    Abstract: Rotary drag bits comprise a body comprising a face at a leading end of the body. An abrasive-impregnated cutting structure is located at the face of the bit body. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure comprises abrasive particles dispersed within a matrix material. The abrasive-impregnated cutting structure exhibits an anisotropic wear resistance. The wear resistance varies at least substantially continuously within the abrasive-impregnated cutting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Van J. Brackin, Jeffrey B. Lund, Danny E. Scott, Marcus R. Skeem, Matthew R. Isbell
  • Patent number: 8631864
    Abstract: An apparatus for downhole operation. The apparatus comprising a support body having a surface located in a borehole and a coating on an at least a portion of the surface of the support body. The coating is an inert material selected for reducing friction and corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Saenger, Jean Desroches, Natalia Quisel
  • Patent number: 8622154
    Abstract: Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgiy Voronin, J. Daniel Belnap, Feng Yu, Benjamin Randall
  • Publication number: 20130341100
    Abstract: A modular cutting-teeth drill bit with controllable drilling specific pressure comprises a module (1), a modular unit (2), a bit body (3), conventional cutting teeth (4) and a nozzle (5). According to mechanical performance of the rocks in the strata drilled and requirements of drilling well, a combination of shapes, sizes and numbers of the module and the modular unit is optimized; effective abrasion edge length of the cutting element on a certain portion of the bit is controlled; and a constant specific pressure of the cutting element of the bit during the drilling process is maintained. The modular cutting-teeth bit substantially improves the effective abrasion volume of the cutting element, and improves the effective utilization rate of the cutting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Liang Zhang, Shu Li, Jialin Tian, Defa Zeng
  • Publication number: 20130333951
    Abstract: Earth-boring tools include one or more cutting elements having at least one grading feature positioned a known distance from an initial working surface of the cutting element. Methods of grading cutting element loss on earth-boring tools include comparing locations of wear surfaces on cutting elements to locations of one or more grading features in or on the cutting elements. In some embodiments, a cutting element may comprise an insert having a generally cylindrical body, a substantially planar cutting face surface, a substantially arcuate side surface, and at least one grading feature. In additional embodiments, a cutting element may comprise a tooth having one or more grading features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Sean W. Wirth
  • Patent number: 8607899
    Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit for cutting a borehole comprises a rolling cone cutter mounted on a bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis. Further, the bit comprises a tooth extending from the cone cutter. The tooth includes a base at the cone cutter and an elongate chisel crest distal the cone cutter. The crest extends along a crest median line between a first crest end and a second crest end and includes an elongate crest apex. The tooth also includes a first flanking surface extending from the base to the crest, and a second flanking surface extending from the base to the crest. The first flanking surface and the second flanking surface taper towards one another to form the chisel crest. Moreover, the tooth includes a first raised rib extending continuously along the first flanking surfaces and across the chisel crest to the second flanking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Thang Vo, Tom Scott Roberts, Adrian Reyes, Robert Morton
  • Publication number: 20130292184
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a PCD element containing a substrate and a PCD layer. The PCD has a top surface, a side surface, an intermediate surface, an unleached region containing a diamond body matrix and an interstitial matrix including a catalyst, and a leached region containing a diamond body matrix and empty space in the place of the interstitial matrix. The catalyst has been leached from the empty space in the place of the interstitial matrix. The unleached region is adjacent to a substantial portion of the side surface and the leached region is not adjacent to a substantial portion of the side surface, and the leached region is adjacent to the top surface or the intermediate surface. The disclosure also provides a system and method for leaching a PCD element including a liquid able to leach a catalyst and a protective member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Gary E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8561731
    Abstract: A down hole drill bit is disclosed that includes a plurality of cutting elements mounted on a cutting structure. At least one of the plurality of cutting elements comprises a wear resistant material, the wear resistant material comprising coarse grains disposed in a binder matrix phase, wherein the binder matrix phase comprises nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Madapusi K. Keshavan, Dah-Ben Liang
  • Patent number: 8535408
    Abstract: A hardmetal composition comprises tungsten carbide in an amount greater than 50 weight percent of the hardmetal composition. In addition, the hardmetal composition comprises a binder material consisting of at least 90 weight percent nickel, a binder flux between 3.5 to 10.0 weight percent chosen from the group consisting of boron and silicon, and less than 1.0 weight percent other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Reedhycalog, L.P.
    Inventors: Jiinjen Albert Sue, Harold Sreshta, Rajagopala Pillai
  • Patent number: 8534390
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface location that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate is attached to a substantially conforming surface of the leg at the location subject to wear. The attachment of the conforming surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Varel International, Ind., L.P.
    Inventor: Inpeng Bouaphanh
  • Patent number: 8534393
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as to cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8528667
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a leading edge (at an outer surface or shoulder surface, for example) that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the leading edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Varel International, Ind., L.P.
    Inventor: Inpeng Bouaphanh
  • Patent number: 8522899
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface edge that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the surface edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Varel International, Ind., L.P.
    Inventor: Inpeng Bouaphanh
  • Patent number: 8505655
    Abstract: Superabrasive inserts are disclosed. More particularly, a superabrasive insert may comprise a superabrasive layer bonded to a substrate at an interface. Further, the superabrasive layer may include a central substantially planar surface, a peripheral side surface, and an arcuate peripheral surface extending between the central substantially planar surface and the peripheral side surface. In one embodiment, the arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a lateral extent and an extension depth, wherein a ratio of the lateral extent to the extension depth is at least about 1.5. In another embodiment, an arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a substantially circular arc, wherein the substantially planar surface is tangent to the substantially circular arc and a tangent reference line to the substantially circular arc forms an angle of at least about 10° with the peripheral side surface. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., drill bits) including at least one superabrasive insert are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Eric C. Pope
  • Publication number: 20130199857
    Abstract: Earth-boring tools include a cutting element mounted to a body that comprises a metal or metal alloy, such as steel. A cutting element support member is mounted to the body rotationally behind the cutting element. The cutting element support member has an at least substantially planar support surface at a first end thereof, and a lateral side surface extending from the support surface to an opposing second end of the cutting element support member. The cutting element has a volume of superabrasive material on a first end of a substrate, and a lateral side surface extending from the first end of the substrate to an at least substantially planar back surface. The at least substantially planar back surface of the cylindrical substrate abuts an at least substantially planar support surface of the cutting element support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thorsten Schwefe, Kenneth R. Evans
  • Patent number: 8499860
    Abstract: A cutting element is provided having a substrate and an ultra hard material cutting layer over the substrate. The cutting layer includes a surface portion for making contact with a material to be cut by the cutting element. The surface portion in cross-section has a curvature that has a varying radius of curvature. A bit incorporating such a cutting element is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuelin Shen, Youhe (John) Zhang, Michael Janssen
  • Patent number: 8501144
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polycrystalline diamond are disclosed. More particularly, a mixture including diamond and fullerenes may be provided. Further, the mixture may be exposed to a high pressure, high temperature sintering process. In addition, a volume of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate may be formed by providing a mixture including diamond and fullerenes and exposing the mixture to a high pressure, high temperature sintering process. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation is disclosed. Further, polycrystalline diamond compacts are disclosed including polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, wherein the polycrystalline diamond includes less than about 1% by weight or is substantially free of non-fullerenes, non-diamond carbon. Polycrystalline diamond exhibiting an increased diamond volume fraction due to the presence of fullerenes during manufacture relative to polycrystalline diamond formed without fullerenes is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli
  • Publication number: 20130186694
    Abstract: A superabrasive-impregnated earth-boring rotary drill bit includes cutting features extending outwardly from a bit body in a nose region of the drill bit. The cutting features comprise a composite material including superabrasive particles embedded within a matrix material. The cutting features extend from the outer surface of the bit body by a relatively high average distance. Methods of forming a superabrasive-impregnated earth-boring rotary drill bit include the formation of cutting features that extend outwardly from a bit body of a drill bit in a nose region of the drill bit. The cutting features are formed to comprise a particle-matrix composite material that includes superabrasive particles embedded within a matrix material. The cutting features are further formed such that they extend from the outer surface of the bit body by a relatively high average distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Cleboski, Scott F. Donald
  • Publication number: 20130168155
    Abstract: An insert for a drill bit may include a substrate; a working layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the uppermost end of the insert, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material includes a plurality of interconnected diamond grains; and a binder material; and an inner transition layer between the working layer and the substrate, wherein the inner transition layer is adjacent to the substrate; wherein the inner transition layer has a hardness that is at least 500 HV greater than the hardness of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130146367
    Abstract: A cutting structure may include an outer support element; and an inner rotatable cutting element comprising a cutting surface at its upper end; wherein the inner rotatable cutting element comprises at least one line contact along a circumferential side surface thereof and/or at least one point contact at a bottom face thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Smith International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8459380
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a cemented carbide piece, and a joining phase that binds the cemented carbide piece into the article. The joining phase comprises a eutectic alloy material. The article of manufacture further includes a non-cemented carbide piece bound into the article of manufacture by the joining phase. An article of manufacture includes a fixed-cutter earth-boring bit body, a roller cone, and a part for an earth-boring bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: TDY Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Michale E. Waller, Morris E. Chandler, Heath C. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20130140094
    Abstract: A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein each blade comprises a leading face and a trailing face, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the cutter pockets, and wherein each rolling cutter comprises a cutting face, a cutting edge, an outer circumferential surface, and a back face. A back retainer is disposed adjacent to the back face, wherein the back retainer protrudes partially into the rolling cutter along a rotational axis of the rolling cutter, and a front retainer is disposed adjacent to the at least one rolling cutter on the leading face of the blade. Each front retainer has a retention end, wherein the retention end is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter, and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Smith International, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130133951
    Abstract: A hard composite composition comprises a binder, and a polymodal blend of matrix powder In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 ?m or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 ?m or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett T. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20130126247
    Abstract: A composite drill bit with a bit body configured at its upper extend for connection into a drillstring, comprising: a bit body (1) with at least one bit leg (3), at least one scraping-wheel (2) set with a cutter-row (4), and a set of cutters fixed thereon. The scraping-wheel (2) is mounted for rotation on the corresponding bit leg (3) with a large angular deflection ? in the range of 20°?|?|?90°. The cutters on the scraping-wheel break rock by means of successive scraping, forming a cross-cutting area on the bottomhole accompanied by the cutters on the fixed cutting unit, thus achieving high rock-breaking efficiency, even wear, high cooling performance, and a longer service life for the cutters, bearings and the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Ying Xin Yang, Lian Chen, Min Lin, Zhu Pei, Hai Tao Ren
  • Publication number: 20130126246
    Abstract: A scraping-wheel drill bit with a bit body configured at its upper extend for connection into a drillstring, comprising: a bit body (1) with at least one bit leg (3), and at least one scraping-wheel (2) set with a cutter-row (4). The scraping-wheel (2) is mounted for rotation on the corresponding bit leg (3) with a large angular deflection ? which lies in the range of 20°?|?|?90°. The cutters on the scraping-wheel break rocks by means of successive scraping, forming a spiral-like tracks on the bottomhole, thus achieving high rock-breaking efficiency, even wear, high cooling performance, and a longer service life for the cutters, bearings and the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Ying Xin Yang, Lian Chen, Min Lin, Zhu Pei, Hai Tao Ren
  • Publication number: 20130112485
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes at least one volume of superabrasive material on a substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the first planar surface and intersecting the first planar surface along an apex. The first planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a first maximum diameter, and the second planar surface has a circular or oval shape having a second maximum diameter. The apex has a length less than the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter. Earth-boring tools includes such a cutting element attached to a body. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include the attachment of such a cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED, Volker Richert, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20130098688
    Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having, at one end, a connection for securing the drill bit to a drill string and having a face opposite the connection end; and a plurality of cutting structures having at least one fixed cutting structure disposed on the bit body face and at least one cutting body rotatably attached to the face of the bit body; wherein, in a rotated view of the plurality of cutting structures into a single plane, there is substantially no radial overlap between at least one fixed cutting structure and the at least one cutting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Smith International, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092449
    Abstract: Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) cermet compositions of this invention generally comprise a hard phase material and a ductile phase formed from a binder alloy, wherein the binder alloy is specially designed having a CTE that is closely matched to the hard phase material. Hard phase materials used to form low CTE compositions of this invention are selected from the group of carbides consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Si, Hf, Ta, and Cr carbides. The binder alloy is formed from a mixture of metals selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, W, Mo, Ti, Ta, V, Nb, C, B, Cr, and Mn. In a preferred embodiment, low CTE compositions comprises WC as the hard phase material, and a ductile phase binder alloy formed from a mixture of Fe, Co, and Ni.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130081881
    Abstract: A rolling cone cutter for a roller cone earth-boring bit has a generally conical body. The generally conical body defines a plurality of lands and grooves. Each land supports a circumferential row of primary cutter elements. At least one of the plurality of lands has a land sidewall. The land sidewall defines a boundary of an adjacent groove. A plurality of protective inserts are disposed within the land sidewall. The protective inserts may reduce erosion of the land sidewall. One or more protective inserts may be disposed between a pair of primary cutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Varel International, Ind., L.P.
    Inventors: Amnach Kongamnach, Inpeng Bouaphanh
  • Publication number: 20130075165
    Abstract: A cutting insert for an earth-boring bit comprises a cemented carbide material. The cemented carbide material comprises a plurality of tungsten carbide grains, and a plurality of cubic carbide grains comprising at least one of titanium carbide, vanadium carbide, zirconium carbide, hafnium carbide, niobium carbide, tantalum carbide, mixtures thereof, and solid solutions thereof. The cemented carbide material also comprises a binder including at least one of cobalt, a cobalt alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, and an iron alloy. Embodiments of the cutting inserts are suitable for use on, for example, rotary cone earth-boring bits and fixed cutter earth-boring bits. A hybrid cemented carbide material comprising first regions of cemented carbide based on tungsten carbide and cobalt, dispersed in a continuous region of cemented carbide material comprising cubic carbides also is disclosed and is useful in cutting inserts of earth-boring bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TDY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Heath C. Coleman, Prakash K. Mirchandani
  • Patent number: 8403080
    Abstract: Binder compositions for use in forming a bit body of an earth-boring bit includes at least one of cobalt, nickel, and iron, and at least one melting point-reducing constituent selected from at least one of a transition metal carbide up to 60 weight percent, a transition metal boride up to 60 weight percent, and a transition metal silicide up to 60 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder. Earth-boring bit bodies include a cemented tungsten carbide material comprising tungsten carbide and a metallic binder, wherein the tungsten carbide comprises greater than 75 volume percent of the cemented tungsten carbide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Jimmy W. Eason, James J. Oakes, James C. Westhoff, Gabriel B. Collins
  • Patent number: 8365844
    Abstract: Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgiy Voronin, J. Daniel Belnap, Feng Yu, Benjamin Randall
  • Patent number: 8347990
    Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, the bit body comprising a first matrix region and a second matrix region, wherein the first matrix region is formed from a moldable matrix material having carbide particles with a unimodal particle size distribution; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Lockwood, Youhe Zhang, Yuelin Shen
  • Publication number: 20130000982
    Abstract: A hard composite composition may comprise a binder and a polymodal blend of matrix powder. The polymodal blend of matrix powder may have at least one first local maxima at a particle size of about 0.5 nm to about 30 ?m, at least one second local maxima at a particle size of about 200 ?m to about 10 mm, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the first local maxima.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Garrett T. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8342268
    Abstract: A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, wherein at least a portion of the bit body comprises a first matrix region comprising a plurality of primary carbide particles having an average mean free path of at least about 10 microns; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Lockstedt, Gregory T. Lockwood
  • Publication number: 20120325562
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8322465
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit part such as, for example, a bit body, roller cone, or mud nozzle includes a hybrid cemented carbide composite. The hybrid cemented carbide includes a cemented carbide dispersed phase, and a cemented carbide continuous phase. A method of manufacture also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: TDY Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Prakash K. Mirchandani
  • Patent number: 8322466
    Abstract: A hardfacing is provided to protect surfaces of drill bits and other downhole tools. The hardfacing may include tungsten carbide particles or pellets formed with an optimum weight percentage of binding material and dispersed within and bonded to a matrix deposit. The tungsten carbide particles may be formed by sintering or other appropriate techniques. The tungsten carbide particles may have generally spherical shapes, partially spherical shapes or non-spherical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay S. Bird
  • Patent number: 8323372
    Abstract: Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) cermet compositions of this invention generally comprise a hard phase material and a ductile phase formed from a binder alloy, wherein the binder alloy is specially designed having a CTE that is closely matched to the hard phase material. Hard phase materials used to form low CTE compositions of this invention are selected from the group of carbides consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Si, Hf, Ta, and Cr carbides. The binder alloy is formed from a mixture of metals selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, W, Mo, Ti, Ta, V, Nb, C, B, Cr, and Mn. In a preferred embodiment, low CTE compositions comprises WC as the hard phase material, and a ductile phase binder alloy formed from a mixture of Fe, Co, and Ni.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhigang Fang, Anthony Griffo, Gregory T. Lockwood, Dah-Ben Liang
  • Patent number: 8317893
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for manufacturing downhole tools and downhole tool parts for drilling subterranean material are disclosed. A model having an external peripheral shape of a downhole tool or tool part is fabricated. Mold material is applied to the external periphery of the model. The mold material is permitted to harden to form a mold about the model. The model is eliminated and a composite matrix material is cast within the mold to form a finished downhole tool or tool part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John H. Stevens, Jimmy W. Eason
  • Patent number: 8312943
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) elements, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and methods of fabricating such PCD elements and PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD body including bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD body includes a first volume having a first portion of the interstitial regions and a second volume having a second portion of the interstitial regions. The second volume is bonded to the substrate. At least one interstitial material is disposed in the first portion of the interstitial regions and a metallic infiltrant is disposed in the second portion of the interstitial regions. The at least one interstitial material exhibits a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Miess, Craig H. Cooley
  • Publication number: 20120285293
    Abstract: A composite sintered powder metal article including a first region including a cemented hard particle material such as, for example, cemented carbide. The article includes a second region including: a metallic material selected from a steel, nickel, a nickel alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, molybdenum, a molybdenum alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy; and from 0 up to 30 percent by volume of hard particles. The first region is metallurgically bonded to the second region, and each of the first region and the second region has a thickness of greater than 100 microns. The second region comprises at least one mechanical attachment feature so that the composite sintered powder metal article can be attached to another article. The article comprises one of an earth boring article, a metalcutting tool, a metalforming tool, a woodworking tool, and a wear article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: TDY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Morris E. Chandler
  • Patent number: 8309050
    Abstract: PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Madapusi K. Keshavan, Youhe Zhang, Yuelin Shen, Anthony Griffo, Michael Janssen
  • Patent number: 8292006
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny E. Scott, Nicholas J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8281881
    Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations. In an embodiment, the bit comprises a bit body. In addition, the bit comprises a cone cutter mounted on the bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis in a cutting direction. Further, the bit comprises at least one transition insert mounted to the cone cutter. Still further, the bit comprises a first asymmetric insert mounted to the cone cutter. Moreover, the bit comprises a second asymmetric insert mounted to the cone cutter. Each insert includes a cutting surface with a leading side relative to the cutting direction. The leading side of the first asymmetric insert has a leading geometry and the leading side of the second asymmetric insert has a leading geometry that is different than the leading geometry of the first asymmetric insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Tedeschi
  • Publication number: 20120241222
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a cemented carbide piece, and a joining phase that binds the cemented carbide piece into the article. The joining phase comprises a eutectic alloy material. The article of manufacture further includes a non-cemented carbide piece bound into the article of manufacture by the joining phase. An article of manufacture includes a fixed-cutter earth-boring bit body, a roller cone, and a part for an earth-boring bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TDY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Morris E. Chandler, Michale E. Waller, Heath C. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8272459
    Abstract: Superabrasive inserts are disclosed. More particularly, a superabrasive insert may comprise a superabrasive layer bonded to a substrate at an interface. Further, the superabrasive layer may include a central substantially planar surface, a peripheral side surface, and an arcuate peripheral surface extending between the central substantially planar surface and the peripheral side surface. In one embodiment, the arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a lateral extent and an extension depth, wherein a ratio of the lateral extent to the extension depth is at least about 1.5. In another embodiment, an arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a substantially circular arc, wherein the substantially planar surface is tangent to the substantially circular arc and a tangent reference line to the substantially circular arc forms an angle of at least about 10° with the peripheral side surface. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., drill bits) including at least one superabrasive insert are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Eric C. Pope
  • Patent number: 8268452
    Abstract: Methods for forming earth-boring tools include providing a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between a first element and a second element and sintering the first element, the second element, and the boding agent to form a bond between the first element and the second element at the interface. The methods may be used, for example, to bond together portions of a body of an earth-boring tool (which may facilitate, for example, the formation of cutting element pockets) or to bond cutting elements to a body of an earth-boring tool (e.g., a bit body of a fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit or a cone of a roller cone earth-boring drill bit). At least partially formed earth-boring tools include a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between two or more elements, at least one of which may comprise a green or brown structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Lyons, Jimmy W. Eason, Redd H. Smith, John H. Stevens